If you’ve shaved more than a handful of times, then you’re likely well acquainted with razor bumps.

Razor bumps, otherwise known by the more clinical term of pseudofolliculitis barbae, is a problem that occurs when false follicles are created by hair tips that penetrate back into the skin. They can form if you cut the ends of your hair, primarily coarse hair in your beard region or on some other part of your body. The cutting process actually sharpens your hair ends, and these pointy tips can, if they poke back into your skin, lead to irritation and cause razor bumps. You will be more susceptible to getting the condition if your hair is particularly thick or curly.